Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[batboy]

100% just because they are signed on development deals = squat. 80%+ of those on development contracts don’t actually play regular NRL let alone debut.

I think we're doing it wrong by having all our development deals tied up in good kids...
There's good reserve grade players around at other clubs on development deals...
Out of all the kids that we've used that position and money for - we've got around 20-30 games back. Blokes like Kelma and the likes, are playing QCup... Go after some of them.

I also believe Freebairn and Dias should be on a dev. deals - If they go full time, We might get that extra out of them they're just short ATM.

 

[AdelaideTiger]

I understand just saying have to be careful on spend externally otherwise there will be no money left for the good juniors coming through, we've already spent a bit next year

I agree, always a balancing act. I think the rest of the roster is in a pretty good place but there is a big hole at 2RW that doesn't look like being closed this year and it will cost us wins.

 

[InBenjiWeTrust]

I agree, always a balancing act. I think the rest of the roster is in a pretty good place but there is a big hole at 2RW that doesn't look like being closed this year and it will cost us wins.

IMHO, our RW/RC combo stays, by far, our biggest hole in defence.
And we cannot see/refuse to fix it.

 

[tony soprano]

I agree, always a balancing act. I think the rest of the roster is in a pretty good place but there is a big hole at 2RW that doesn't look like being closed this year and it will cost us wins.

Fingers crossed hopefully one of the development players come good by next year they all play second row.

 

[TheDaBoss]

Madden: "We can feel the games coming"

Jock Madden shares his excitement to get stuck into pre-season trials next week

www.weststigers.com.au

 

[Geo]

I think we're doing it wrong by having all our development deals tied up in good kids...
There's good reserve grade players around at other clubs on development deals...
Out of all the kids that we've used that position and money for - we've got around 20-30 games back. Blokes like Kelma and the likes, are playing QCup... Go after some of them.

I also believe Freebairn and Dias should be on a dev. deals - If they go full time, We might get that extra out of them they're just short ATM.

With Players who are on Train and trial deals eligible to play NRL now same as development players it's not that much difference..

We have Ben Stevanovic, Billy Stapleton, Christian Ma’anaima, Iverson Fuatimau, Junior Pauga, Liam Scolari, Logen Dillon, Rua Ngatikaura, Tom Freebairn. all on Train and trial deals who can play NRL after round 10..all playing State Cup they could also be promoted to the NRL squad at anytime..

Fuatimau mentioned as a bolter by Nof for round 1 could point to an elevation replacing Hoffman.. though I don't take much stock in Nofoaluma's opinions..

 

[jrtiger]

With Players who are on Train and trial deals eligible to play NRL now same as development players it's not that much difference..

We have Ben Stevanovic, Billy Stapleton, Christian Ma’anaima, Iverson Fuatimau, Junior Pauga, Liam Scolari, Logen Dillon, Rua Ngatikaura, Tom Freebairn. all on Train and trial deals who can play NRL after round 10..all playing State Cup they could also be promoted to the NRL squad at anytime..

Fuatimau mentioned as a bolter by Nof for round 1 could point to an elevation replacing Hoffman.. though I don't take much stock in Nofoaluma's opinions..

out of that crop I feel Scolari and Dillon are definite first graders, and there's every chance Ma'anaima, Rua and Fuatimau end up there at some point. the only issue is T&T offers minimal security, and if another club comes knocking with a more secure deal we're in some strife.

 

[InBenjiWeTrust]

out of that crop I feel Scolari and Dillon are definite first graders, and there's every chance Ma'anaima, Rua and Fuatimau end up there at some point. the only issue is T&T offers minimal security, and if another club comes knocking with a more secure deal we're in some strife.

God willing🙏

 

[batboy]

With Players who are on Train and trial deals eligible to play NRL now same as development players it's not that much difference..

We have Ben Stevanovic, Billy Stapleton, Christian Ma’anaima, Iverson Fuatimau, Junior Pauga, Liam Scolari, Logen Dillon, Rua Ngatikaura, Tom Freebairn. all on Train and trial deals who can play NRL after round 10..all playing State Cup they could also be promoted to the NRL squad at anytime..

Fuatimau mentioned as a bolter by Nof for round 1 could point to an elevation replacing Hoffman.. though I don't take much stock in Nofoaluma's opinions..

Train and Trialists are also up for grabs aren't they?
They're not actually under contract at the club....

 

[tony soprano]

God willing🙏

What I've seen from SG there's so much potential with strong teams in balmain and wests.

Still have flegg and NSW Cup to take into account too.

 

[Geo]

Train and Trialists are also up for grabs aren't they?
They're not actually under contract at the club....

There is no set number...introduced last year due to covid..players can stay on them for the season if necessary.. play after Round 10 in 2022 at this stage.. last year they could play from the start..they are not NRL contracted players.. it is the level above a State Cup contract..it's similar to the old 2nd tier cap system..

Pauga played for us last year without being elevated to the NRL top squad..if they play part of their salary is factored into the Cap..

I suspect it will be similar this year if Clubs are hit by covid outbreaks..

 

[Tim Sheens]

Yep. It takes a particular type to play NRL. I think Pole is too small for NRL, taking into account his age. Same with the second rowers on development contracts. Some can make a top 30 but when we're talking outstanding talent, there's a certain physical element that separates the men from the boys. How many Australian schoolboys make the NRL? Very few when you consider these were the elite juniors. There's a special talent in separating the wheat from the chaff.

I believe the "particular type" of player is evolving at the moment and more hastily due to the rule and interchange changes, with sheer size no longer providing the same benefits. Unless of course such stature is coupled with speed, explosiveness or ball playing abilities.

Might be wrong, but expect it to develop further as the season progresses.

 

[tiger_scott]

Size still matters though. Even half backs are huge now. Comparing the two #1 7s from their eras, we see:

Allan Langer:

Height	165 cm (5 ft 5 in)
Weight	76 kg (12 st 0 lb; 168 lb)

Nathan Cleary:

Height	182 cm (6 ft 0 in)
Weight	92 kg (14 st 7 lb)

That's a fair chunk of difference.

 

[batboy]

There is no set number...introduced last year due to covid..players can stay on them for the season if necessary.. play after Round 10 in 2022 at this stage.. last year they could play from the start..they are not NRL contracted players.. it is the level above a State Cup contract..it's similar to the old 2nd tier cap system..

Pauga played for us last year without being elevated to the NRL top squad..if they play part of their salary is factored into the Cap..

I suspect it will be similar this year if Clubs are hit by covid outbreaks..

I'm aware of the set up, and I understand what you're saying...
What I'm saying, Is players signed to development deals, Are signed.
Train and trial players - What stops another club signing them?
They're not signed as such.... To my knowledge?

 

[Geo]

I'm aware of the set up, and I understand what you're saying...
What I'm saying, Is players signed to development deals, Are signed.
Train and trial players - What stops another club signing them?
They're not signed as such.... To my knowledge?

Nothing.. but being on a development deal doesn't stop other Clubs signing players either..Laurie was on a development contract at the Panthers when we signed him..

 

[Fade.To.Black]

Size still matters though. Even half backs are huge now. Comparing the two #1 7s from their eras, we see:

Allan Langer:

Height	165 cm (5 ft 5 in)
Weight	76 kg (12 st 0 lb; 168 lb)

Nathan Cleary:

Height	182 cm (6 ft 0 in)
Weight	92 kg (14 st 7 lb)

That's a fair chunk of difference.

Wow I would've thought Alf was heavier than that, he was a chunky unit.
Cleary's alien head would weigh 30kg on its own.

 

[balmain boy]

Nothing.. but being on a development deal doesn't stop other Clubs signing players either..Laurie was on a development contract at the Panthers when we signed him..

A development contract is annual, like a nrl contract. So they can't just get up and go mid season, without the club releasing them.

I think Train and trial are monthly contracts and have the ability to be annulled with immediate effect if there's an NRL contract offer.

 

[tiger_one]

That's the next job for Mr. V'landys.
Create a doable transfer window.
All this "365 days, transfer me at any time" just has to be stopped, fixed up and made better for the clubs, players and fans.

​

 

[batboy]

Nothing.. but being on a development deal doesn't stop other Clubs signing players either..Laurie was on a development contract at the Panthers when we signed him..

Well, That's a moot point - No contract ever seems to stop anyone from ending up somewhere else.
Didn't we sign Laurie for the years after his contract and then agitate a release (Swap Momo) To get him earlier?
Either way, If we have prospects signed to Development deals, That contract is under the same negotiation limitations as all contracts. Young fellas on Train and Trial can be gone anywhere, anytime....

My point is, We tie up hopefuls to these contracts (Usually with not much output)
- When other clubs tie up guys with NRL experience on the same contracts.
Wouldn't surprise me if Naiqama is on one at the Roosters??

Maybe we can better use these Spots / Contracts...

 

[The-moP]

Wow I would've thought Alf was heavier than that, he was a chunky unit.
Cleary's alien head would weigh 30kg on its own.

And of that 30kgs .. his chin would weigh 15kgs .. !!